BenefitSearch.
Home › New York › Transportation

NYC Fair Fares (half-price subway and bus)

DiscountNew York CityNYC Department of Social Services· New York City, New York

Half-price subway and bus fares for New York City residents with low income.

Apply on the official site ↗

Goes to NYC.gov. Applying is free.

Who generally qualifies

New York City residents 18 to 64 with household income under the Fair Fares limit.

Exact income limits and rules are set by NYC Department of Social Services and can change. Check the official site for current details.

How to apply

  1. Apply online through ACCESS NYC or the Fair Fares app.
  2. Get your Fair Fares OMNY card.

What to have ready

  • Proof of income
  • Proof of NYC address
  • Photo ID

Common questions

Does it cost anything to apply?
No. Applying through the official site is free. Be wary of anyone who charges a fee to apply for you.
Do I have to pay it back?
No. It's a discount on a bill or fee.
Who decides if I qualify?
NYC Department of Social Services makes the final decision. This page explains the program in general terms only.
Where can I find current income limits and amounts?
Income limits, benefit amounts and deadlines change, so check NYC.gov for the latest details.

Added October 21, 2026. BenefitSearch is not affiliated with NYC Department of Social Services.